During January of 1916, the suspension of hospital work continued, so alongside administrative tasks, the Turkish Bečej branch of the Red Cross worked on its reorganization. At the request of the royal supervisor for education, the central board negotiated with the association's management for the release of space in the Elementary School.
Since, according to records, the hospital with 224 beds was located in the premises of the Elementary and Civic Schools, whose use had decreased to a minimum in recent months, the opinion of the Branch was sought regarding the possible relocation of the hospital. It was agreed to reduce the number of beds in the elementary school to 100, and the equipment to be stored in its premises. The auxiliary hospital could be set up immediately in case of need. After these changes, classes could proceed uninterrupted. Another, perhaps even stronger reason for the continuation of uninterrupted classes can be seen in the notice from the royal supervisor for education of the Torontal County dated February 24, 1916.16
Since the beginning of the year, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of citizens joining the Red Cross Society, both in Turkish Bečej and in other places in the district. Citizens who sign up commit to paying a membership fee of two crowns regularly for the next 6 years.
A larger number of members actively participated in various fundraising activities, such as fundraising on the day of Peter and Paul, collecting wild chestnuts, used clothing, blankets, food, and other items that would serve to help the wounded or the poor. Regarding the donations collected in the current year, from July 31, 1915, to August 1, 1916, the following breakdown was presented to the presidency by Halmoš Lajoš Jr., who, after a short stay on the front, resumed the position of association secretary. "Donations in cash amount to 5447 crowns and 51 fillers, bedding 1900 crowns, linen 2670 crowns and 20 fillers, cigarettes 5 crowns, tobacco 6 crowns, food products 80 crowns, other items 10 crowns, totaling 10,970 crowns and 20 fillers."
During the same year, according to district order no. 666, the Committee of the Turkish Bečej Red Cross Association took steps to award honors for particularly successful work in the field of the Red Cross. For nine months, 500 wounded and 200 sick people were treated in the hospital, and from June 22, 1916, the hospital operated as a rest house.
The list of names worthy of being honored is as follows:
1. Baron Dr. Čavoši Ignac, the chief district judge, founder of the branch, collected 14,000 crowns for the benefit of the hospital. Thanks to him, the number of members exceeded a thousand, and the value of the assets exceeded 25,000 crowns. He was nominated for the Red Badge of Courage of the Red Cross, second class.
2. Baroness Čavoši Ignac, noble Fendler Emilija, vice president of the association, was nominated for distinguished decoration for her selfless work in managing the association, caring for patients, and collecting food and clothing. (Based on the Official Gazette, she had already been awarded the decoration for which she was nominated.)
The Silver Badge adorned with war symbols was deserved by the following members:
1. Mrs. Šafranj Ištvana, Stari Ilona treasurer of the Turkish Bečej-Vranjevačka Auxiliary and Credit Association, who manages and conscientiously handles the money and accounts of the Association with exemplary precision.
2. Dr. Kencel Jožef, vice president, director of the Civic School, who made great efforts and enthusiasm in organizing two large concerts for the benefit of the Red Cross, the proceeds of which amounted to 1400 crowns.
3. Garai Ižo, director of the Savings Bank
4. Bihari Bela, inspector of the Tax Administration
5. Vajs Adolf, port chief. These three members run the office for the aid of the Society, which helps the families of soldiers at the front, finds those in need of assistance, and takes care of the children of the employees during the day.
6. Šiler Henrik, Hungarian Royal Tax Treasurer, hospital economist for his outstanding contribution to feeding patients in the hospital.
7. Dr. Vagner Karolj, royal district judge
8. Pavlak Lazar, Turkish Bečej clerk
9. Kočak Šandor from Torontalorde
10. Emil Nikolić from Kumane
11. Tivadar Lazić from Tisataraš
12. Mihalј Firiđhazi from Beodra
13. Bela Bošan from Karlovac
14. Tivadar Lazić from Tisataroš for their work on organizing the hospital, equipping it, supplying it with food, fuel, and lighting materials, as well as for bringing in new members.
15. Mrs. Dr. Bizek Dežea, Hakl Izabela, a lady, an irreproachable volunteer, a worthy deputy of her husband the pharmacist who is at the front, who greatly contributed to the smooth treatment by carefully managing the pharmacy.
16. Widow of Jožef Silađi, nurse - hospital supervisor and person in charge of laundry.
The Bronze Medal with military insignia was deserved by the following members:
1. Paula Konc, educator, supervisor of the daycare center,
2. Vilma Špringer, seamstress and volunteer caregiver,
3. Mrs. Pavlak Lazara, municipal clerk,
4. Irena Pap, merchant,
5. Ana Lukseder, unmarried girl,
6. Ilonka Pap, daughter of a gendarme sergeant,
7. Widow of teacher Bele Varkonji,
8. Widow of senior official Endrea Vereš,
9. Mrs. Jožefa Mako, teacher at the Civic School,
10. Lilika Pulai, daughter of a large landowner and volunteer caregiver,
11. Ana Putnik, artisan,
12. Ilonka Haršanji, teacher,
13. Margit Čanji, daughter of a farmer,
14. Mariška Zolnai, daughter of a farmer,
15. Viktorija Zolnai, daughter of a farmer,
16. Bella Cvip, daughter of a merchant,
17. Erži Valdfogel, daughter of an artisan,
18. Kato Karolјi, daughter of an artisan,
19. Roži Kelemen, daughter of an artisan,
20. Mariška Jung,
21. Margit Diners, daughter of a financial supervisor,
22. Tereza Ivan, daughter of a farmer,
23. Ema Kasaš, daughter of an artisan,
24. Jovanka Kiselički, daughter of a clerk at the Savings Bank,
25. Aranka Bergl, daughter of an artisan,
26. Jovanka Grujić, daughter of an artisan,
27. Ilona Bergl, daughter of an artisan,
28. Mrs. Janoš Morvai, a machinist's wife,
29. and 30. Mrs. Lajoš Marton and Mrs. Pala Horvat, wives of judicial officials, who, besides caring for patients, also took care of the laundry of the wounded.
Agneš Segfi, Viktorija Reperger, widow of Lajoš Čerenji - all three midwives who performed the necessary massages and other services befitting young girls.
Unfortunately, Dr. Grin Mor, a conscientious hospital doctor, and Mrs. Simona Kirić, wife of the Beodra pharmacist, were omitted from the list of honorees by mistake. Mrs. Kirić Simona donated three large chests of laundry, a lot of fur, knitted caps, warmers, food, and much more when the hospital was formed. To correct this mistake, a letter was sent to Mr. Daniel Ferenc, the Great County Prefect in Veliki Bečkerek, to kindly request the Main Directorate of the Red Cross to include their names later on the list of persons to be honored.
On June 20, 1916, based on the order of the Command of the Veliki Bečkerek auxiliary hospital, 100 beds were set up in the Dunđerski building to serve as a rest house, a generous offer accepted by the owner of the building himself for its use as a rest house.
Considering the mass arrival of wounded from the front17, the president of the Red Cross, Jožef Babić, on behalf of the Red Cross Committee from Žombolј, on June 27, 1916, asked the management of the Turkish Bečej hospital "to increase the number of beds according to your esteemed capabilities and results expected from them, especially the increased total number of beds, please inform us urgently, if possible within 8 days." The next day, on June 28, 1916, the leadership of the Hungarian Crown Land Red Cross Society asked the management of the Turkish Bečej Red Cross Society to prepare the auxiliary hospital, which temporarily suspended its work during the year, for work without delay and with the greatest possible number of beds and to inform the management in Budapest about it.
Sergeant Belmont, who was sent from a higher authority to inspect the rest house, expressed his satisfaction and gratitude to the Association for the treatment, careful nursing, and excellent accommodation of the wounded. Special recognition was given to the tireless municipal doctor Dr. Grin Mor and Dr. Futšek Geza, a doctor transferred from Brašov, as well as to the royal tax officer Šiler Henrik, an indispensable economist who took care of the food, and the ladies who supervised the kitchen.
Upon the request of the Presidency, the Volunteer Society was reestablished this year, during sowing season, and opened and managed a day care center for the children of workers. The management of the center was entrusted to Mrs. Garai Iže, Bihati B., Vajs Adolf, as well as educator Konc Pauli. The maintenance costs of the day care center amount to 300 forints and 16 fillers, as evidenced by receipts.
At the end of August 1916, Romanian troops entered Erdelj, following which, in early September, 105 refugees were sent to Turkish Becej. The accommodation and food for the refugees fell under the responsibility of the Red Cross Association, which had prepared well for this task. Torontal County Deputy Janko Agoston and Baratic from Brasov praised the Society's three-month uninterrupted support.
Uninterrupted operation of the hospital was the task of the Red Cross Association's president, particularly the economist, involving multiple quality and price controls of purchased goods, often requiring consultation and approval from the command of the auxiliary hospital in Veliki Becskerek. This was also the case with regard to codfish, which interested Ambrus Arthur on behalf of the economist; specifically, he asked, "Can codfish be replaced with fish that live in our waters at the same price?" The response arrived two days later: "We inform you that live fish can be procured instead of codfish on the domestic market only if it avoids the use of beef twice a week."
The Veliki Becskerek hospital telegraphed the Turkish Becej branch of the Red Cross, informing them that on Sunday, January 28, 1917, 50 wounded soldiers would arrive at the Turkish Becej railway station by evening train. The hospital director had already taken necessary measures for their reception and accommodation. After two weeks, on November 5, we learn from a telegram about the arrival of another 44 wounded soldiers by evening train.
Excerpt from the minutes of the annual assembly of the Red Cross Society on January 28, 1917: Lajos Halmoš Jr. read the annual report of President Arthur Ambrus due to the illness of the president:
"Dear all! For the third time, I report on the annual work of the association, but the roar of cannons can still be heard, the precious blood of our compatriots continues to flow, and tears are shed for our young men, our fallen brothers. As for peace, blessed doves of peace take flight, yet with their merciless hand, our enemies strangle incomprehensible hatred! This means that we must continue to fight: those who are at the front with weapons, and those who remain at home, behind the front line, must not falter, but tirelessly and without complaint and with even greater dedication and sacrifice, as well as with undiminished faith, must continue to fight for an honorable peace. Among those who act in the background, the Red Cross Society must be at the forefront. Our activities related to the care and support of our sick and wounded heroes extended into the second half of the year; namely, in the first part of the year, our hospital was still on pause. We addressed the ongoing affairs of the hospital at three Assembly meetings. The Assembly meeting held on December 13 was dedicated to the memory of our blessed, good King Franz Joseph I, the main patron of the Red Cross Society. We recorded our genuine sorrow for his death and condolences, the patriotic feelings it aroused in us, in the impressions book, and determined that the Society's officials must wear a sign of mourning. Members of the society attended a mass held for the salvation of His Majesty's soul. Also, at this parliamentary meeting, we greeted our new king, the young, promising ruler of our beloved Hungarian homeland, Charles IV. Members of the association attended a mass celebrated on the day of his coronation. Also, with great gratitude, I record the name of Chief Justice Ignac Csavosi, who, throughout the district, continually organizes the collection of voluntary contributions for the benefit of the Society. Thanks to him, the Branch counts 1306 members. I also express great gratitude to Dr. Jozef Kencel and his friends, art enthusiasts, who, from the proceeds collected at the concert they organized, allocated 950 crowns to the Society. In addition to them, the Society received numerous donations of greater or lesser value. The total amount of donations is 4597 crowns and 54 fillers, representing a respect-worthy humanity."
Based on the report of Treasurer Đule Lind (who demobilized for unknown reasons in the middle of the year), the work of the treasury and the financial situation of the Association in 1916 is as follows:
Income: donations 4597 crowns and 54 fillers, membership fees 2568 crowns, interest 1294 crowns and 54 fillers, encashment 859 crowns and 39 fillers, from the Red Cross for the care of the wounded and from the military treasury 25,091 crowns and 10 fillers, for refugees 12,745 crowns, remaining from the previous year 26,041 crowns and 41 filler. Total: 74,147 crowns and 22 fillers.
Expenses: 50% of the Red Cross membership fee 269 crowns, donations 860 crowns and 16 fillers, care and treatment of the wounded 32,649 crowns, rent 597 crowns, to merchants 593 crowns and 11 fillers, to craftsmen 700 crowns and 57 fillers, daily allowances (cooking, laundry) 479 crowns, food for refugees 11,403 crowns and 20 fillers, writing supplies, postage 40 crowns and 80 fillers, funds 26,554 crowns and 54 fillers.
Total: 74,147 crowns and 22 fillers.
Taking into account the provision of food for refugees from Erdelj, the remaining money after income and expenditures for them is as follows: there are 4504 crowns and 53 fillers and a larger quantity of bandages.
The Committee approved the release of Treasurer Đule Lind and Food Economist Henrik Schiller from their duties. Since there were no other proposals, the President closed the annual Assembly meeting. The minutes were signed by Lajos Halmoš Jr., Secretary and Recorder, and Dr. Jozef Kencel, Vice President, on behalf of the verifiers, Mrs. Režea Cvip and Lajos Halmoš Sr.
16 In the minutes, we can read the following: "Taking into account the fact that the Turkish Becej municipality is surrounded by municipalities with Serbian population, we believe that education should continue for national interests. From this point of view, it is extremely important, so allow me to ask the esteemed Administration to release the mentioned school building for education and to cease its use for hospital purposes."
17 Important events of 1916 in chronological order:
- January 14: Montenegro capitulates
- February 11: Units of the Central Powers enter Tirana
- August 8: Russians advance into Bukovina
- August 27: Romania declares war on the Monarchy, Romanian units enter Erdelj
- November 21: The ruler of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, Franz Joseph I, dies
- December 12: The Central Powers submit a request for peace
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